Identification

Heterick et al. (2017) - Melophorus gilliatensis can be placed in the Melophoprus biroi species-group on the basis of characters of the clypeus, propodeum, mandible and palps. The species is also placed in the Melophoprus fieldi species-complex because of the appearance of the anteriorly placed clypeal psammophore, the compact propodeum, the presence of more than one preapical spine on the metatibia, at least in the major worker, the long, even spindly legs and the unmodified mandible in the major worker. The clypeus is folded back abruptly slightly below its midpoint, so that the anterior portion projects as a protuberance at about 90° to the mandible, the clypeal psammophore being placed along the line of demarcation. The unusual form of the clypeus, suggestive of ants in the Melophoprus wheeleri complex, serves to identify the species.

Distribution

Heterick et al. (2017) - Restricted to a small area of central QLD, this species is known from two almost contiguous localities (Gilliat and Ernest Henry Mine).